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2008 Dodge Challenger problems

The most common problem on the 2008 Dodge Challenger is airbags. It has fewer complaints than a typical Challenger model year.

Typical yearClose to a typical year
Year score
92/100
Owner complaints
10
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
34
Worst area
Airbags
Fuel economy
15mpg

The worst 2008 Dodge Challenger problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Airbags
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Fuel system
    2

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Airbags
    4
  • Electrical
    4
  • Engine
    3
  • Acceleration
    2
  • Fuel system
    2
  • Driver assistance
    1
  • Locks
    1

Recalls 3

Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator moduleReported May 24, 2016 · 4,648,270 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.

Recall number 16V352000 · Recall details

Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator moduleReported July 10, 2015 · 88,460 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2008-2010 Dodge Challenger vehicles manufactured September 19, 2007, to October 29, 2010. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on November 17, 2015. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is R37.

Recall number 15V444000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switchReported September 10, 2008 · 6,636 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler is recalling 6,636 my 2008-2009 dodge challenger vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions and "keyless go" option. These vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114, "theft prevention." if the stop/start button is pressed and held and the engine turns off, the electronic key code is removed from the vehicle. Since this can occur in a transmission or gear selector position other than "park," and the transmission or gear selector does not become locked in "park" as a direct result of key removal, it was determined that a noncompliance may exist.
Risk
This standard specifies vehicle performance requirements intended to reduce the incidence of crashes resulting from theft and accidental rollaway of motor vehicles.
Remedy
Dealers will reprogram the wireless ignition node module so the engine can only be turned off when the transmission and gear selector is in the "park" position. The recall began on september 15, 2008. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 08V458000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2008 Dodge Challenger

Defect investigations

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator RuptureOpened September 17, 2021, still open

From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at all frontal inflators using propellant 2004 that do not contain a "desiccant" (a substance that traps and holds moisture) in US vehicles are under recall. These "non-desiccated" inflators either have been or are required to be replaced.In some cases, the remedy part for these recalled inflators was, or will be, an inflator using either propellant 2004 or 2004L that does contain a desiccant. None of these "desiccated" remedy parts (which were installed in older model year vehicles) are currently under recall for a degradation concern. Certain subsets of desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004 for use as original equipment, however, have been recalled for a degradation concern. All Takata inflators produced with propellant 2004L contain desiccant, and none of these desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L are under recall for a degradation concern. There have been no reported field ruptures in any non-recalled desiccated PSAN inflators.It is understood that desiccants fully saturate at some threshold, at which point any additional moisture will not be captured. This means the degradation process observed in non-desiccated inflators using propellant 2004 may also occur in non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004, assuming additional moisture enters the inflator and high temperature cycling occurs. Based on available information, desiccant saturation can occur within the first five years in the worst environments, and the time required for full saturation is affected by multiple factors. While no present safety risk has been identified, further work is needed to evaluate the future risk of non-recalled desiccated inflators using propellant 2004.Three entities -- Takata (now known as TK Global), the Independent Testing Coalition, and Exponent -- have been studying the long-term behavior of Takata desiccated PSAN inflators using propellant 2004L (as well as 2004) in the presence of moisture and temperature cycling. The research efforts, which include development of predictive modeling techniques and field sample analysis, are ongoing. To date, none of the researchers have identified field evidence showing that propellant 2004L is undergoing a degradation process that leads to aggressive deployment and potential rupture. However, the time in service of such inflators remains short compared to that of the inflators using propellant 2004. Further study is needed to assess the long-term safety of desiccated inflators using propellant 2004L.The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this investigation to examine whether a safety defect related to propellant degradation exists in non-recalled desiccated PSAN frontal inflators manufactured by Takata. This investigation will require extensive information on Takata production processes and surveys of inflators in the field. Lists of recall actions that may have used desiccated PSAN inflators as remedy parts, as well as the makes and models originally manufactured with them, is available with the downloadable version of this document (see -- note this information is subject to change/revision as the investigation proceeds). This investigation does not supersede EA15-001, which remains open.

EA21002

Technical service bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Challenger 34

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 34 bulletins for the 2008 Dodge Challenger

2008 Dodge Challenger fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
6.1L 8‑cylRWD131815

What 2008 Dodge Challenger owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Mar 8, 2023 · Acceleration · OR · crash

My throttle got stuck open four times and the last time I almost lost my life and was in an accident. This is a known issue on the dodge forums but dodge refuses to call this defective and make it a recall. This is dangerous it could have killed me and others. There were no warning the throttle was going to go on its own.

Filed Mar 9, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 120,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle decelerated and stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. The contact stated that the starter, crankshaft and crankshaft sensor was replaced previously. The contact stated that the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufactured was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Jun 16, 2017 · Engine, Fuel system · 57,427 miles · CA

Exiting the freeway via off ramp the car suddenly stalled and just as quick as it stall it started back up. The whole time it was in gear and I never touched anything. About a mile prior on the freeway I smelt gas but only for a minute and never again. I was approximately 8 miles from home and didn't have anymore problems or the gas smell. I check my menu for any problems but the system said ok but after I got home and turned the car off and then back on the system said warning contact dealer. This is dangerous to have a call stall suddenly. I did see on the web that the federal safety agency has noted there is problems with srt8 (v8) and a warranty issue with the gas tank needing to be replace. Does our car fall under this?

Filed Apr 14, 2017 · Airbags, Driver assistance · MS

Taking recall this car was bought in november less than 100 miles was put on it ran hot then door locks widows stopped working air bag and engine light stayed on 3 mechanics no-one can figure it out then it just stopped working want crank or anything bought for my daughter who is leaving for college and no vehicle 7000 in the whole and no-one will work on it . So I need information on vehicle and what do I do.

Filed May 5, 2016 · Airbags · AZ

Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v444000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Mar 16, 2016 · Electrical, Engine · 39,000 miles · NV · fire

I purchased a new 2008 dodge challenger srt-8 in 2008 and every since have had problems. Chrysler would fix every time something would have problems. After the first motor went out (due to engineering of the 6.1l hemi) chrysler agreed to repair. The 2nd motor that went out in less the 6k miles also started an electric fire with my family inside, chrysler replaced motor. The 3rd motor was replaced once more at about 9k miles by an independent shop and the car on cruise control up speeds. Since the car was purchased, the smell of fuel is still apparent when full. Called chris at 855‑778‑8326 (chrysler corp) and asked for a complete history of repairs and was not offered much help. He encouraged me to write the federal safety agency.

Filed Dec 30, 2015 · Electrical · 33,000 miles · NJ

Ignition lock works erratically and binds. Intermittent operation of door locks, windows and panel lights. Some time it will not start, some time when the key is removed the chime will stay on after with no indication of any issues, lights off doors and trunk properly closed. Because it is a coupe my main concern right now windows must work for doors to open. This is at a stop. I start noticing issues when lights did not function when driving. Vehicle is garage kept and has 33,000 miles.

Filed Nov 17, 2015 · Airbags · CA

Takata recall: tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v313000 (air bags); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed Oct 13, 2015 · Airbags · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 dodge challenger. The contact received a notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 15v444000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The contact had not experienced a failure.

Filed Mar 31, 2009 · Electrical, Locks · 1,900 miles · TN

Failure to perform recall notice by my local dealer.

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2008 Dodge Challenger before you buy

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Questions about the 2008 Dodge Challenger

Is the 2008 Dodge Challenger reliable?

Owners have filed 10 complaints about the 2008 Dodge Challenger, fewer than a typical Challenger model year.

What is the 2008 Dodge Challenger year score?

The 2008 Dodge Challenger scores 92 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Dodge Challenger: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2008 Dodge Challenger?

Airbags, with 4 complaints. Next is electrical (4).

How many recalls does the 2008 Dodge Challenger have?

3 recalls, covering air bags and power train.

Was there a recall on the 2008 Dodge Challenger airbags?

Yes, 2 recalls: 16V352000, 15V444000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Dodge Challenger have bad airbags?

The Dodge Challenger model years with the most airbags complaints are 2010 (75 complaints), 2012 (47 complaints) and 2009 (41 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2008 Dodge Challenger get?

Official estimates for the 2008 Dodge Challenger range from 15 mpg combined. The most efficient version (6.1L 8-cyl, RWD) gets 13 city and 18 highway.

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